Overview

A grove of huge oak trees in the Wealden forest is felled. And, as if some ancient curse is being brought alive, the man who wielded the axes meets with a violent end. The Sheriff claims the Forest People did it, but Abbess Helewise believes a supernatural solution is too easy an answer. She consults Josse d'Acquin, whose manor house in the Weald is now being renovated, and he, concerned about the safety of two girls from the abbey, enters the forest himself - to find something in this ancient part of Britain that terrifies even him.

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Reviews

'Proof that a writer of medieval crime fiction can deliver something fresh' -- The Times Crime Supplement 'A worthy heir to Ellis Peters, though grittier, materialises' -- Poison in the Pen on Ashes of the Elements 'It's gripping stuff, and it's sure to keep you hooked throughout' -- Daily Post 'Worthy of comparison with Ellis Peter's Cadfael books, this is a medieval mystery, simply but effectively told' -- Historical Novel Society

What are frustrated Queen Mother Eleanor and concerned merchants to do about King Richard the Lionheart, who has abandoned his duties and in effect absconded with England's wealth to support his crusading? The pervasive gossip about crass sales of manors and offices makes Richard I a model for his many subjects who also lust after what isn't rightfully theirs. Abbess Helewise ( Fortune Like the Moon , 2000) actually stumbles over one of them, a poacher whose body lies on the verge of woods fringing her abbey. The flint spearhead that killed Hamm Robinson hints that the mythical Forest People might have come to life and taken revenge on this treasure-hunting tree-killer. Lazy Sheriff Pelham is content with a supernatural explanation, but Helewise can't resist investigating a murder so close to home. Even though she's preoccupied with novice Caliste, a sleepwalker responding to the call of the forest, and with lay servant Esyllt, who also periodically disappears into the woods, she teams up with her worldly partner, king's man Josse d'Acquin, who spends his first night in the wilderness witnessing another strange murder (and even stranger events) and his second night snuggling with Helewise. The demise of a third victim leads to a logical but fantastic solution..Unfortunately, Clare's careful revelation of a monstrous conspiracy is hampered by awkward exposition and dialogue by turns stilted and anachronistic ( not bad going ; 's a free country ). Worse, she's shackled herself to a formulaic rehash of her debut novel. Just where is she heading with her abbess and soldier?. (Kirkus Reviews)

Author Information

Alys Clare is a history buff and has written many novels under a different name. Alys Clare lives in Kent, where the Hawkenlye mysteries are set.

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